Aid Reaches Gaza After 11 Weeks of Blockade
The United Nations reports that over 90 trucks carrying humanitarian aid have entered Gaza, following an 11-week blockade. This comes as reports emerge of 29 deaths from hunger-related causes in the past two days.
The aid includes flour, baby food, and medical equipment. It was transported through the Kerem Shalom crossing on Wednesday and distributed from a warehouse on Thursday. Local bakers helped turn the flour into bread.
The UN says the delay was due to a lack of security along the approved route. Israel’s government claims it allowed another 100 aid trucks to enter Gaza through the same crossing on Wednesday. However, the UN says the amount of aid is still far from meeting the huge demand in Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Humanitarian groups warn that Gaza’s 2.1 million population is facing severe hunger. Food shortages and high prices for other goods are exacerbating the crisis.
Majed Abu Romdan, the Palestinian Authority’s health minister, told reporters in Geneva that 29 children and elderly people died from hunger-related causes in the past two days.
The aid is a welcome relief, but it’s only a start. The people of Gaza need a long-term solution to the humanitarian crisis.
Source: bbc